First Call of Projects for Forest Fires Research

FCT opened today, December 28, the first Call for funding of research projects oriented to the prevention and combat of forest fires. The Call of 2017 provides a financial envelope of 5 million euros. Applications will be accepted until February 28, 2018.

This is the first of three Calls, the following will open until July 2018 and July 2019, framed within the mobilizing R&D Program for the prevention and combat of forest fires, created by the Resolution of the Council of Ministers No. 159/2017 of October 21, following the recommendations of the report of the Independent Technical Commission that investigated the Pedrógão Grande fires. A total funding of 15 million euros is expected for research projects selected under the three Calls.

The Call aims to promote scientific research and innovation, strengthening scientific and technical skills and capabilities, ensuring the appropriation and incorporation of scientific knowledge in decision support in operational systems, as well as the production of new knowledge oriented to problem solving. Research areas will include:

- Governance of forest resources; Post-fire restoration and forest management; Models of planning and preventive silviculture; Models of organization and management of forest areas, in the areas of protection, conservation, silvopastoralism, recreation, leisure and production; management and valorization of biomass in rural spaces;

- Fire management and extreme fire behavior; Attitudes and behaviors towards fire prevention and firefighting and land management; Occupational health and safety of firefighting technicians;

- Meteorology, forecasting and risk management, including ignition detection and optimization of early warning and development of intelligent observation and decision support systems; Sensing, information and emergency communication systems and their integration in decision processes.

For more information, see Call.